Overview
- Legislators and the governor are actively drafting a bill that would create a municipal stadium authority available statewide so a team could build and run a privately financed stadium while the authority holds ownership.
- The municipal‑authority model under discussion would shift title of a new stadium to a public entity and, as framed by sponsors, allow the facility to avoid property taxes while the team continues day‑to‑day operations.
- Gov. J. B. Pritzker urged having a bill ready for the fall veto session and lawmakers say they are seeking a franchise‑neutral and location‑neutral framework that could apply beyond a single site.
- Key details remain unsettled, including the size and cost of public incentives, legal mechanics for ownership and tax treatment, and protections for taxpayers, and the Bears are still weighing Indiana as an alternative.
- Lawmakers are weighing complementary options such as a statewide 'mega projects' tool that would offer bonds or tax credits and specific protections like Rep. Dan Ugaste’s HB 5802 to shield residents from higher property tax bills.